Essentials on Essential Oils

Have you guys ever been curious what all the hype was about with regards to Essential oils? I know I have. Essential oils are extracted from different plants and are created with the aromatic (smell good) compounds from these plants. Essentially, these oils hold on to the plants’ scents and other chemical properties. They each give off a unique fragrance and can are often used in alternative medicine. Essential oils can be applied topically, inhaled or ingested. They can be used for stress relief, pain relief, immune booster, sleep aid and so much more.

I was first introduced to essential oils a few years ago by one of my co-workers. She was a nurse, very much into holistic living. One day she started to have an allergic reaction causing a break out on her hands. She pulled out a small roller bottle of Lavender oil and began to put a small drop on both of her wrists and behind her ears. She said it has an ant-inflammatory effect helping with her skin reaction.  I was intrigued, so I began to ask her a few questions about oils and was surprised by her knowledge of oils and about just how many different uses there are for them.

Fast-forward to about a year later, my husband’s company at the time provided all of their employees with an oil diffuser and a small vial of lavender oil. Once again, my interest was sparked. As I familiarized myself with the diffuser and Lavender oil, I quickly found I wanted to experiment with different oils. I started to research the different types of oils and ordered a book called The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy written by Valerie Ann Worwood. This book is my essential oils reference for every ailment. Having a backache? Well, we can easily find what oil or combination blend can help with pain relief. Now, it is pretty easy to get overwhelmed by just how many different oils and combination oils are out there.

Here are 5 oils that are a must for beginners:

• Lavender: alleviate headaches, reduces inflammation, pain reliever, improves sleep, increases relaxation, minimizes skin reactions, reduce stress and anxiety.

Many people will tend to gravitate toward Lavender due to its calming properties and multiple uses. It can also be blended with just about any other oil. Rub it on your temples for a headache or put a few drops in your evening bath to unwind.

• Eucalyptus: improves respiratory alignments (cough, congestion), fights infection, antifungal properties, pain reliever, boosts mental clarity

Ever heard that old saying to but Vicks Vapor rub on your feet then socks before going to bed when you are sick? That’s because a common ingredient in Vicks is Eucalyptus oil, giving off the menthol odor that helps to open up sinuses during illnesses or relieve coughing. Try it next time you are sick!

• Lemon: improves digestion, relieves nausea, body detoxifier, cough reliever, natural disinfectant

Lemon infused water can do wonders for the body. Especially on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. Drink up!

• Thieves: natural cleaner, kills bacteria, immune booster, supports oral health

This is my all-time favorite oil during cold and flu season. I have it diffusing throughout the house, leaving a spicy scent behind.

• Peppermint: relieves nausea, relieves sinus congestion, stimulate hair growth, alleviate headaches, reduce heartburn

Peppermint is added into my deep conditioning hair mask. It feels amazing on your scalp and help stimulate your hair follicles to grow.

These 5 oils produce amazing aromas and are so useful in your daily life. By diffusing you will get to enjoy the beautiful aromas and many therapeutic advantages. Remember though, a little goes along way! In small amounts these oils are super powerful. Certain oils shouldn’t be used topically on young children so make sure you do your research. Want to know more on oils, keep following me on the InterSweetz.